Yu-gi-oh :: September 2009 Banlist

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This is a big one. Almost every major deck archetype in Yu-Gi-Oh has been
downgraded thanks to the latest update of Forbidden and Limited cards. The
new list also sees the very first Synchro Monster ban. At the same time, some
decks that were previously hampered by the banlist have been revived a bit,
as there are plenty of cards that have been removed from the list. Here's a
quick summary of the changes:

Denied! Rejected! Forbidden!

The biggest addition to the Forbidden list is the first Synchro Monster to
appear on the list, Dark Strike Fighter. This card was incredible to use in
tournaments thanks to its high ATK and effect. It could strike for 2600 and
then tribute itself to dish out another 1400 damage, a total of 4000 with just
one card! Synchro Cat decks were played to summon this: Two Rescue Cats in your
hand and Cold Wave mean that you could stun your opponent and then summon two
Dark Strike Fighter for a OTK, or One Turn Kill. Thanks to that combo, we now
have our first Synchro ban.

Card of Safe Return, Monster Reborn, and Crush Card Virus have also been
banned, with Monster Reborn and Crush Card Virus seeing a bit too much use in
tournaments. Konami seems to favor themed decks rather than one stuffed with
staple cards and so, a fan-favorite, Monster Reborn is gone. Card of Safe
Return has been banned in preparation for Zombie decks making a huge return
thanks to the other changes below.

How Limiting and Restrictive

Three major monsters join the Limited club that is going to hurt a lot of
decks: Rescue Cat, Summoner Monk, and Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind. Being
restricted to just one Rescue Cat and one Summoner Monk means that Synchro Cat
decks are officially dead. There is not a lot you can do with just one of each.
Gale's restriction is going to hurt a lot players as well, especially Blackwings
players. Gale's effect and tuning ability made it arguably the best tuner in
the game. So good, in fact, that other decks started using Gale, which is probably
why it is on the list.

If you still don't think that Synchro Cat is gone, the addition of Cold Wave
and Mind Control to the Limited list seals the deal. Also joining the list is
Solemn Judgement, which was a powerful catch-all protection card that all players
will miss. Call of the Haunted makes a return, coming off its ban, and will help
Zombie decks make a return.

Double or Nothing

Two cards have been released from the Limited list and are now only Semi-Limited,
which means you can have two instead of just one! Mezuki, one of the best Zombie
cards, is back in action and is probably the main reason why people will be looking
at using a Zombie deck at Orlando's Shonen Jump Tournament. Chaos Sorceror has also
received a lightened sentence, since there are now even more powerful cards available.

Another staple trap card, Bottomless Trap Hole, has been added to the list in
general. This will slow down the average game considerably but will encourage players to
take more risks, which is a good thing.

Free as a Bird

A lot of cards have managed to get off the list this time around and all of them
are notable. Breaker the Magical Warrior is an incredible card to use and should
feature prominently in Dark decks. The release of Raiza the Storm Monarch might lead
the way for a revival of Monarch Control decks. Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest,
might see some play in Lightsworn decks.

Without Further Adieu

A lot of major changes this time around. Synchro Cat is gone and Blackwings have
been hampered. Gladiator Beasts were wrecked a bit already from the previous banlist.
This leaves Lightsworn on top. Expect to see a lot more people bringing on the light
in upcoming tournaments, or at least packing a few Light Imprisoning Mirrors. Check
out the list for yourself below: